On Monday, Native Instruments released an update to their sound design and music production studio REAKTOR that brings the application to version 4.1. The upgrade adds such new features as Screensets functionality for storage and recall of screen layouts, auto save for restoration of plug-ins within host sequencer projects, improved parameter automation, an enhanced sample map editor, better stability, and more.
REAKTOR is what Native Instruments calls “the fusion of synthesis, sampling and effects.” It allows you to design and build instruments, samplers, effects, and sound design tools, with dozens of unique instruments and an online user library that grows daily. Version 4, which was released in May 2003, added an integrated browser, graphical sample mapping, new preset functions, and more.
Inventing your own instruments in REAKTOR consists of looking through more than 100 modules and function blocks — including oscillators, filters, LFOs, samplers, sequencers, and effects — and assembling the various elements into something unique. Parts can be removed from instruments to build new ones, and you can alter the size and layout of knobs and displays to give your new creations a unique look.
REAKTOR 4.1 is a free download for owners of REAKTOR 4. The full version of the application is US$559. System requirements call for Mac OS 9.2.2 or Mac OS X v.10.2.6 “Jaguar,” a PowerPC G4 processor running at 500MHz or faster, and 256MB RAM. You can also download a demo from the Native Instruments Web site.